Transparency and accountability are core values deeply embedded in an NGO. Since NGOs exist for carrying out voluntary work, it is expected that their actions demonstrate honesty, responsibility and answerability. According to Transparency International,  “Transparency is about shedding light on rules, plans, processes and actions. It is knowing why, how, what, and how much. Transparency… [Read More]

There are a set of core values that every NGO should adopt when thinking of setting up an NGO. NGOs are voluntary organizations dedicated for a cause and it is essential that they follow a belief system that reflects their approach. Following are some of the core values, NGOs should adopt when establishing an NGO:… [Read More]

NGOs are diverse entities and their features are mostly shaped by the socio-economic, cultural, political and legal situation of a country. However, generally speaking, we can list out the following features that are common among NGOs in most of the countries around the world. Non-Profit in functioning: An NGO is not meant for making profit… [Read More]

The NGO board comprises of individuals who are appointed to provide oversight to the organization. As you proceed towards establishing the NGO, you will require advice from people who are experts in their respective field of work. To start with you can establish an initial board of comprising of 4- 5 individuals who are passionate… [Read More]

Over the last few years, social media has emerged as an important medium of communication globally for reaching out to a vast audience. Currently there is a plethora of social media sites and applications that are being used by diverse organisations. The main purpose of using social media is to connect to a large audience… [Read More]

What is core funding? Core funding is usually defined as financial support that covers basic “core” organizational and administrative costs of an NGO, including salaries of non-project staff, rent, equipment, utilities, and communications. Why is core funding important? Core funding is important for the long term financial sustainability of an NGO and its effective functioning…. [Read More]

Significance of a great project title: It gives a glimpse of the project described in the proposal It informs the donor about the project aim, location, focus and beneficiary (or need) A great title captures the donors’ attention with its uniqueness It makes your proposal memorable and keeps it on the top of donors’/ selectors’… [Read More]

Most donors will provide core funding, but some will only pay for project cost, shifting the burden to other donors and the NGO. Some donors allow core funding to be included as specific budget lines (e.g. a portion of the rent, utilities, etc.) and on top of that add an overhead percentage (e.g. 5%, 10%… [Read More]

When you contact or meet a donor for the first time, what are easiest ways to ruin your shot at getting funded? First impressions count, and avoiding these mistakes will help you put your best foot forward. Mistake #1: Not introducing yourself Do not send an email to a donor without any introduction. Donors see… [Read More]

You can draft the proposal using this template and then customize it to suit donor guidelines. For helping you develop your proposal, suitable examples have been used to describe the content of each section. Title Page: The title page typically contains the project title, along with contact details of the organization and the donor. Remember… [Read More]